Gatlinburg Tennessee 4th of July

July 3 & 4, 2008: For the 33rd consecutive year, Gatlinburg will kick off America’s Independence Day celebration with the nation’s first parade, presented by Red Baron Pizza, which will lead off at midnight to the cheers of 90,000 to 100,000 spectators. A tribute to our five branches of military service will be among the many highlights. “This will be one of the most patriotic and colorful parades that the City of Gatlinburg has ever produced,” according to Special Events Manager George Hawkins. “We are very excited about the entire day of events!”

As soon as the street is closed, the parade route will come alive with pre-parade entertainers that will begin the excitement of what is to follow. Giant helium balloons will soar through the skyline of downtown Gatlinburg, from red, white, and blue Stars to Alphonso the dragon, Humpty Dumpty, and a giant patriotic Eagle and All-Star Train. More than 100 volunteers will be signed on to help the balloons navigate the streets of Gatlinburg, with over 100 entries of all types scheduled to appear. National entries such as Schwan Foods and Red Baron Pizza will bring in their Blaine Kern-designed floats.

Gatlinburg’s popular River Raft Regatta will take place at noon on Friday, July 4th, beginning on River Road and ending at the Aquarium bridge in downtown Gatlinburg. This unmanned river raft race is open to anything floatable except balls and plastic eggs. In the past, families have entered boats made out of matchsticks, floating rocks, as well as little rubber ducks. Registration takes place between 11 a.m. and noon, with the race beginning promptly at noon. Support for the River Raft Regatta is provided by the Gatlinburg Recreation Center.

“Stand Here” will be the best advice for visitors as Downtown Gatlinburg’s skyline will transform into a flood of brilliant colors on the night of Friday, July 4, 2008 when the sights and sounds of a spectacular fireworks display will fill the night sky in commemoration of America’s independence. The fireworks show, scheduled to begin shortly after sunset, will be a twenty-minute production with visibility throughout the downtown area.

Numerous segments of the show will feature spectacular rocket bursts 500 feet overhead. “The downtown Parkway will be the best place to watch the show,” stated George Hawkins, Special Events Manager for Gatlinburg’s Department of Tourism. “Between traffic lights #3 and the sky lift, our visitors will have great views, as will the businesses and accommodations that overlook the downtown area." “By staging the fireworks in this manner, spectators can enjoy the attractions, shops, nightlife, and restaurants throughout downtown prior to the display, with no worry about finding a good viewing spot as the fireworks begin,” Hawkins added. “The display should make for a perfect finale to Gatlinburg’s Fourth of July Celebration.”

Gatlinburg 4th of July